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Pathology Outpatients

Royal Bolton Hospital, Minerva Road, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 0JR

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • Leave the M61 motorway at junction 5 and take the A58 towards Wigan.
      At the next roundabout take the A6 towards Walkden.
      Carry on along the A6 for about a mile, then turn left at the junction and follow the A579 towards Bolton.
      Cross over the motorway then take the first right onto Plodder Lane.
      Continue along Plodder Lane for 1.5 miles then turn left into Redgate Way where the hospital will be signposted.
      Carry on along this road and the hospital site will be ahead.
    • There are several open-air car parks available throughout the hospital site which provide standard and Blue-Badge parking.
      There is a drop-off point immediately in front of the main hospital entrance.
  • By Bus View
    • The nearest bus stops are immediately opposite the main entrance and are served by buses 501, 521 and 557. These provide direct services to Bolton, Farnworth, Blackrod, Little Lever, Westhoughton and Moses Gate.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The bus stops are located either side of the road directly opposite the main hospital entrance.
    • The bus stops on both side of the road are sheltered.
      There is a small amount of bench seating and there is sufficient room for a wheelchair user to wait.
    • The bus stops are between 50 and 75 metres from the main hospital entrance.
      These are on either side of the main road that runs through the hospital site. A nearby pelican crossing allows access to the entrance from the bus stop on the far side of the road. This crossing has slight gradients down to the dropped kerbs and tactile paving.
      For the nearer bus stop there is an unmarked crossing which also has slight gradients down to dropped kerbs and tactile paving.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Moses Gate which is 1.7 miles away on Bolton Road. This station provides direct services to and from Bolton, Manchester Victoria, Wigan Wallgate, Southport, Rochdale, Clitheroe and Blackburn.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on the left just after coming through the main hospital entrance.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01204 390 193.
  • The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
  • There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Volunteers can be found opposite the main reception desk.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: large print and different languages.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs, tri wheel walkers, walking frames, walking sticks, mobile hoists, hoist slings, adjustable beds and crutches.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the main reception desk.
  • There is a Safe Place at this hospital which is located near J Block.

Hospital Parking (Latham Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders and staff only.
    • The car park is located just off Churchill Drive, near A Block.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • Access to the Hospital View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 133m (145yd 1ft) from the Block A entrance.
  • Comments View
    • This car park is only to be used as a last resort by those using the nearby mobile MRI and CT scanners.
    • To ensure you will not receive a parking fine you should provide your vehicle registration to a member of staff in the mobile unit you are visiting.

Hospital Parking (Chadwick Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located opposite the main hospital entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 230cm x 450cm (7ft 7in x 14ft 9in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park, throughout the car park and at the payment machines in the hospital building.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located inside the hospital building and close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
  • Access to the Hospital View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 75m (82yd 1in) from the main hospital entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Payment machines are also located adjacent to the car park entrance.
    • To obtain free Blue Badge Parking patients and visitors should phone 0333 123 1454 or visit iFM Bolton Car Park Management office located at Shawcross House with your Blue Badge and full, correct vehicle registration to register for a permit until your Blue Badge expires.

Entrance (Chadwick Car Park Pedestrian Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located next to the payment machines.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
    • The width of the door opening is 185cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading to the access point.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance gives access to the payment machines.

Entrance (Chadwick Car Park Pedestrian Exit)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the corner of the Chadwick Car Park, at the junction of the two rows of Blue Badge Parking bays.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
  • Comments View
    • The surface here is mainly tarmac and is uneven.

Getting To (Pathology Outpatients)

  • Pathology Outpatients is/are located on the ground floor of B Block.
  • Access to Pathology Outpatients is via the A Block entrance.
  • Enter via the A Block entrance and turn left.
    Continue up the slight ramped corridor.
    Continue through an open set of double doors.
    Continue up another slight ramped corridor.
    Pathology Outpatients will be to your left.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to Pathology Outpatients.
  • Pathology Outpatients is approximately 32m from the A Block entrance.
  • There are not resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Outside Access (A Block Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Redgate Way, near Latham Car Park.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading to the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.
  • Comments View
    • The push pad unlocks the doors.

Opening Times (Pathology Outpatients)

  • Monday 08:45 - 16:30.
  • Tuesday 08:45 - 16:30.
  • Wednesday 08:45 - 16:30.
  • Thursday 08:45 - 16:30.
  • Friday 08:45 - 16:30.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Department / Service (Pathology Outpatients)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • Pathology Outpatients is located along the main corridor of B Block.
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 128cm.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 129cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • There is ramped/sloped access immediately beyond the department/service entrance.
    • There is clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The department/service does not play background music.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a main reception, consultation rooms, treatment rooms and ambulant toilet facilities for everyone.
    • There are 5 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is available.
    • There are not accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • There are not standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

Level Change (Department Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located immediately beyond the department entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead as you enter the department.
    • The reception point is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the department entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is a bell to attract attention.
    • The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 25/08/2022.
    • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is bench seating and also a mixture of single seats with and without armrests.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is a television.
    • Subtitles are available.
    • Vending machines are not available.
    • A water dispenser is not available.
    • There is a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinic Room)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Clinic Room 2.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Room / Area (Blood Testing)

  • There is / are 3 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Bay 3.
  • The room / area is approximately 12m from the department entrance.
  • There is level access to the room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is/are height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the department corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m from the department entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 276cm (5ft 11in x 9ft 1in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 104cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 95cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 174cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a covered cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 111cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 113cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the left as you enter via the main hospital entrance, just after the main reception desk, within the Eatwell Restaurant, in the main hospital corridor between D and C Blocks and also within area 5, next to the chapel.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the left as you enter via the main hospital entrance, just after the reception desk.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located within the Eatwell Restaurant.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet near the main entrance and in both accessible toilets on the left of the main hospital corridor between D and C Blocks.

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